VAP Digital Bookshelf - TEXTS

VAP DIGITAL BOOKSHELF - TEXTS

All VAP Digital Bookshelf editions have been scanned at a very high resolution (most often at 600 dip). Each page has been straightened, cleaned and run through state-of-the-art optical character reading software so that entire texts are now searchable. Texts are OCR'd in their original language; so a German text is German language searchable. Each volume is presented in its original format, thus providing the most authentic copies available. Many of these books have been long out of print are are not available anywhere else. Use the "Peak Inside" button to see the depth of the materials and the quality of the publications!
JAMES BLADES
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS AND THEIR HISTORY

​James Blades' book is the "bible" of percussion instruments. GP Percussion is now publishing this highly influential book as a .pdf file. The book has been scanned in high resolution, and is now text-searchable thanks to using the highest quality optical character reading software. You need this book in your personal library!
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KARL PEINKOFER
HANDBOOK OF
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS

​​The Handbook contains an extensive English- German- Italian- French Dictionary of Percussion Terms; photos and descriptions of hundreds of common and esoteric instruments; and over 80 pages of musical score examples of some of the most influential compositions of the 20th-century. This book is a treasure chest of knowledge about how composers score for percussion and what the happens when composers and players push the envelope of composition and orchestration.
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DAVID VELA,
TRANSLATED BY
VIDA CHENOWETH
INFORMATION ON THE
MARIMBA
David Vela's INFORMATION ON THE MARIMBA is available again! Translated and edited by non-other than Vida Chenoweth, this book set the bar for percussion research into the development and cultural significance of the marimba. Out of print for nearly 60 years, this rare book is nearly impossible to find.
REINHOLD BANEK &
JON SCOVILLE
SOUND DESIGNS
Sound Designs will show you how to build your own instruments. Clear instructions, excellent illustrations and photographs, precise measurements make it easy and enjoyable. 

LOU HARRISON - "What a joy it is to read the beautiful Sound Designs"

JOHN BERGAMO - "I can think of no other book that is so informative, well written, and easy to use, even for those without instrument building experience."
"TABOUROT"
HISTORIC PERCUSSION

​"Tabourot" was the pen-name of Peggy Sexton, a wonderful percussionist and music historian. Topics in this book include: The Problems in Early Percussion Research, The Role of Musicians Through History Periods, Military Percussion Instruments and Their History, Baroque Timpani, Historic Drums and Tambourines, Early Pitched Percussion Instruments, and Improvisation.
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"TABOUROT"
RHYTHM GHOSTS

Rhythm Ghosts is a thorough discussion of percussion notation & rhythmic styles of Scottish, Swiss, Italian, British, Mexican, and African music. There really isn't another book with this depth of information about the music and the rhythms of the past. Like all of "Tabourot's" books, this one is thoroughly researched and contains information you won't easily find anywhere else. 
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"TABOUROT"
ROYALL DRUMMES &
​MARTIALL MUSICK

If you're interested in rudimental drumming, this book is for you! Drumming in the military from naqqara to Anglo-American rudimental traditions.
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"TABOUROT"
TAMBOURINE

The tambourine is one of the oldest percussion instruments, and one that has deep roots in folk music. This book covers European, Middle Eastern, Cabaret Style, and Classical Style Performance. There is also a section on the care and feeding of the instruments and information on the Mazhar, Tar, Doira, and other related instruments.
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"TABOUROT"
CASTAÑELAS, OLÉ

Everything you ever wanted to know about the castanets! Including information about Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque dances. There are also sections on buying quality instruments, basic technique, and exercises.  
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FRANK MACCALLUM
THE BOOK OF THE MARIMBA

Frank MacCallum's important book has been out of print for many years. This important text contains information about the history and the construction of the instrument. There are also chapters on observations and comments made by various musicians and writers, how to write music for the marimba, ensemble playing, and more. This is one of the very first books about how marimbas are constructed and includes information about the dimensions, tuning, resonator shape and size, of the instruments.
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SATIS N. COLEMAN
THE MARIMBA BOOK

The Marimba Book, by Satis Coleman, was originally published in 1943, is again available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf.

​Satis Coleman was a very influential music educator. In 2010, she was elected to the National Association for Music Education Hall of Fame.The Marimba Book chapters are: I) Instruments Made of Wood. II) How to Tune the Sticks of Wood. III) How to Finish the Marimba. IV) Playing on an Eight-Note Marimba. V) Tunes for a Large Marimba. VI) Stone and Glass Marimbas
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NORMAN WEINBERG
THE ELECTRONIC DRUMMER

First published by Modern Drummer Magazine, VAP Media is proud to re-introduce the the book that set the standard for Electronic Percussion information. From simple uses of electronics to complex set-ups, this book will tell you what you need to know in straight forward, user friendly language.
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NORMAN WEINBERG
DEMYSTIFYING MIDI

Originally published in 1988, Demystifying MIDI is one of the very first books on the inner workings of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). Now published by VAP Media, this book is real information for real people—written in an easy-to-understand and conversational manner. With this book, you'll learn everything you need to know to be an expert at using your gear and your software.
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NORMAN WEINBERG
GUIDELINES TO DRUMSET NOTATION (FULL RESEARCH)

​Norman Weinberg's entire drumset notation research is now available from VAP Media. Meticulously researched over a period of two years, the notation characteristics of over 200 drumset books, compositions, texts, and articles were thoroughly examined. This is the complete documentation available as a .pdf file. Over 700 pages of drumset notation research!
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